Late Decision From Frasier

Steve Williams

01/01/2015

NC State is still a major player for the commitment of FSU commit Johnny Frasier.

Princeton all-american tailback Johnny Frasier carried the ball 214 times for 2, 266 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2014 but he spent almost the entire first half of the Shrine Bowl watching from the sidelines. The North Carolina coaching staff distributed carries among Rocky Reid, Reggie Gallaspy and Akease Rankin which relegated Frasier to the role of spectator- something that was difficult for him to swallow as the Tarheels found themselves with a 14-0 deficit after two quarters.

“Not being able to help was heart breaking. I couldn’t deal with just not being able to do what I could to help the team. The rotation, it was killing me.

“I told coach all week that I’m going to be there. Learning the new plays, Rocky (Reid) was always ahead because this is his offense so I was always a step behind. But when I had a chance I shined.”

North Carolina turned to Frasier in the second half and with him leading the way, the Tarheels put together one of their best drives of the day. When all was said and done Frasier totaled some very modest stats- 22 yards on seven carries with a long run of 14 yards. He said that learning a new offensive system in just a handful of practices was a challenge.

“It was difficult but if you don’t let it overwhelm you it can be a whole lot easier.”

Frasier still has a little unfinished business before his high school career officially ends. He’s in San Antonio for Saturday’s US Army All-American game. Frasier told Pack Pride that he thought the experience in Spartanburg for the Shrine Bowl should help prepare him for a national-caliber all-star event.

“I can definitely take what I learned at the Shrine Bowl and use it at the US Army game. I just have to keep my head on a swivel because these people are faster, meaner so you always have to be prepared for stuff you may not see.”

On the recruiting side, things have quieted down of late with a dead period that runs through the middle of January. This means that coaches can’t have any face to face contact with prospects.

For Frasier, he remains committed to Florida State although many feel that to be shaky at best. He told Pack Pride that the only sure visits in January would be to Alabama (Jan 16) and NC State (Jan 23). That leaves one official visit weekend with Florida State and Duke as two of the possibilities to take that final slot.

Over the years several prominent recruits have used the US Army game to announce their college intentions. Could that be a possibility for Frasier?

“No sir. I plan to take it all the way to the end.”

Frasier is rated a four-star prospect and the No. 3 running back in the nation by Scout.com.